Meconium corresponds to the baby's first stool, which is dark, greenish, thick and viscous. Eliminating the first stool is a good indication that the baby's bowel works correctly, however when the baby is born after 40 weeks of gestation, there is a high risk of aspiration of meconium, which can lead to serious problems.
Meconium is eliminated in the first 24 hours after birth due to the stimulation of the first breastfeeding. After 3 to 4 days, a change in the color and consistency of the stool may be noted, indicating that the bowel is able to perform its function correctly. If there is no elimination of meconium within 24 hours, it may be indicative of obstruction or intestinal paralysis, and other tests should be done to confirm the diagnosis.
What is fetal distress
Fetal distress occurs when meconium is eliminated before delivery in the amniotic fluid, which usually occurs due to changes in the oxygen supply to the baby through the placenta or due to complications in the umbilical cord.
The presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid and the non-birth of the baby can lead to aspiration of the liquid by the baby, which is extremely toxic. The aspiration of meconium leads to a decrease in the production of pulmonary surfactant, which is a liquid produced by the body that allows the gas exchanges carried out in the lung, which can lead to inflammation of the airways and, consequently, difficulty in breathing. If the baby does not breathe, there is a lack of oxygen in the brain, which can lead to irreversible damage.
How is the treatment done?
Soon after birth, if it is noticed that the baby can not breathe alone, doctors remove secretions from the mouth, nose and lungs and administer surfactant to increase lung alveoli and allow gas exchange. However, if there are brain lesions resulting from meconium inhalation, the diagnosis is only made after some time. Know what pulmonary surfactant is and how it works.
